Understanding Rheumatoid Arthritis: Symptoms, Diagnosis, and Next Steps
Pain in the four limbs? I have severe pain in my left hand and stiffness, and my toes and the area where my toes connect to my feet are very painful. This has been going on for two months. My mother has rheumatoid arthritis, and I am currently taking pain medication for it, but i...
Dr. Zeng Guosen Reply:
Hello, 1. The diagnosis of rheumatoid arthritis is not solely based on blood tests (rheumatoid factor). About 20-25% of patients with rheumatoid arthritis may have normal blood test results. It is recommended to consult a rheumatologist for evaluation. 2. Rheumatoid arthritis...[Read More] Understanding Rheumatoid Arthritis: Symptoms, Diagnosis, and Next Steps
Understanding Mild Rheumatism: What It Means for Your Health
What is referred to as mild rheumatism by physicians? Hello Dr. Tseng, I would like to ask a few questions. My mother experienced swelling in her left ankle last November and has been feeling constant soreness, so she went to the hospital for treatment. She saw an orthopedic spec...
Dr. Zeng Guosen Reply:
Hello! 1. Mild rheumatism and rheumatoid arthritis are not the same. Rheumatoid arthritis is a specific disease with its own unique symptoms and diagnostic criteria, while rheumatism is a general term for soreness in the muscles, bones, joints, and ligaments. 2. According to the ...[Read More] Understanding Mild Rheumatism: What It Means for Your Health
Understanding Joint Aspiration: Is It Gout and What to Expect?
Joint aspiration Doctor... I went to the hospital yesterday to have joint fluid extracted, but they couldn't get any. The swelling in my left foot has not gone down for 2 to 3 months; sometimes it hurts, and sometimes it doesn't. I used to have swelling in my right inde...
Dr. Ke Zhengchang Reply:
1. If the swelling in your left foot has not resolved after 2 to 3 months, it is important to consider the possibility of other underlying issues, including infections or rheumatoid arthritis. Please discuss this further with your physician. 2. With a uric acid level of 12 and ...[Read More] Understanding Joint Aspiration: Is It Gout and What to Expect?
Understanding Coccydynia: Causes, Symptoms, and Treatment Options
Coccydynia (tailbone pain) Hello, two years ago I experienced wrist pain and consulted a doctor, suspecting rheumatoid arthritis (I live in Australia). I intermittently took medication and stopped, and one day it suddenly got better. Recently, I have been waking up in the morning...
Dr. Zeng Guosen Reply:
Isolated wrist pain cannot be diagnosed as rheumatoid arthritis (RA). It is important to observe for symptoms such as swelling, pain, and heat in the joints (arthritis), particularly if multiple joints are involved symmetrically in both hands. If morning stiffness in the hand joi...[Read More] Understanding Coccydynia: Causes, Symptoms, and Treatment Options
Understanding Sjögren's Syndrome: Causes, Symptoms, and Treatments
Sjögren's syndrome The English term for 謝格連氏症 is Sjögren's syndrome. Patients can develop this condition due to an autoimmune response, where the immune system mistakenly attacks the body's own moisture-producing glands, leading to symptoms such as dry mouth and dr...
Dr. Zheng Hongyi Reply:
Hello, I am Dr. Cheng. Regarding your question, the full name of Sjögren's syndrome is Sjögren's syndrome. This condition is not caused by an infection; it is a chronic autoimmune disorder characterized by abnormal immune system activity. It leads to lymphocytic infiltr...[Read More] Understanding Sjögren's Syndrome: Causes, Symptoms, and Treatments
How to Differentiate Recurrent Rheumatic Conditions: A Patient's Guide
How can recurrent rheumatic fever be distinguished? Hello Doctor: I have the following questions I would like to ask you! I have been experiencing aching pain in my joints, particularly in my hands and feet, during rainy days and before weather changes, and it has been progressiv...
Dr. Ke Zhengchang Reply:
Hello Doris: There are many causes of arthritis in young women. In addition to gout and rheumatoid arthritis, I recommend that you visit an orthopedic specialist for further examination and treatment. New anti-inflammatory pain relievers are effective and less likely to cause gas...[Read More] How to Differentiate Recurrent Rheumatic Conditions: A Patient's Guide
Understanding Shogren's Syndrome: Symptoms, Diagnosis, and Treatment Options
What is Shy-Drager syndrome? My mother has been experiencing gastrointestinal discomfort for over ten years, with frequent abdominal pain and diarrhea. Doctors believe she has colonic dysmotility and have also mentioned irritable bowel syndrome. In recent years, she has been diag...
Dr. Ke Zhengchang Reply:
Hello Ms. Tsai: Sjögren's syndrome is an autoimmune disease characterized by symptoms such as chronic dry eyes, dry mouth, keratoconjunctivitis, and difficulty swallowing (due to reduced saliva), as well as bilateral parotid gland enlargement. It often coexists with other au...[Read More] Understanding Shogren's Syndrome: Symptoms, Diagnosis, and Treatment Options
Understanding AMIA, ANA, and Their Significance in Immune System Health
Immune system AMIA stands for Antimitochondrial Antibodies, which are often associated with autoimmune diseases, particularly primary biliary cholangitis. A titer of 53 indicates the concentration of these antibodies in the blood, with higher values suggesting a stronger autoim...
Dr. Zeng Fenyu Reply:
1. AMIN is the abbreviation for the examination of thyroid function-related microsomal antibodies, formally known as Anti-Microsomal Antibody. 2. ANA (Anti-Nuclear Antibody) is a test item related to autoimmune diseases, and the testing methods vary. In our hospital's test...[Read More] Understanding AMIA, ANA, and Their Significance in Immune System Health
Understanding ECG Results: Insights for Patients with Heart Concerns
Electrocardiogram (ECG or EKG) A patient with juvenile rheumatoid arthritis has a 23-year medical history, standing at 147 cm tall and weighing approximately 30 kg. For over 30 years, the patient has occasionally experienced wheezing, and multiple physicians have noted the presen...
Dr. Li Huixiong Reply:
1. A chest X-ray typically does not reveal cardiac enlargement or ischemic changes; however, it can show whether there is cardiac enlargement. Additionally, we can assess for myocardial hypoxia or ventricular hypertrophy through an electrocardiogram (ECG). 2. Regarding discomfort...[Read More] Understanding ECG Results: Insights for Patients with Heart Concerns
Patient Rights in Healthcare: Accessing Medical Records and Treatment
Patient Rights in Healthcare My father recently sought consultation at the gastroenterology department due to black stools. After the physician arranged for an endoscopy, it was confirmed that he had gastrointestinal bleeding and a duodenal ulcer. He was advised to be hospitalize...
Dr. Yang Guojun Reply:
Dr. Yang Guojun responded: The principle of medication under the National Health Insurance is based on the patient's condition. You can take a copy of your report to another hospital or general clinic to obtain the medication. Losec is typically only necessary for a duration...[Read More] Patient Rights in Healthcare: Accessing Medical Records and Treatment
Understanding Breathing Difficulties in Rheumatoid Arthritis Patients
Could you please provide more context or specify what aspect of breathing you would like to know about? The family member has been suffering from rheumatoid arthritis for 23 years and occasionally experiences shortness of breath and wheezing (feeling fatigued while breathing). Ge...
Dr. Li Huixiong Reply:
The statements you provided are fragmented and lack specificity, making it difficult to identify the issue at hand. I suggest that your family undergo some basic examinations, which may help uncover some clues. For example, a chest X-ray and an electrocardiogram (ECG) could be be...[Read More] Understanding Breathing Difficulties in Rheumatoid Arthritis Patients